The World Cup program starts on Saturday with the U23 women's category. The main women's and men's categories start in the morning and afternoon respectively. While Nino Schurter is the top favorite for the men, the starting position for the women is more open. However, this does not mean that there is no competition that can topple the Grisons rider from his throne. In addition to the increasingly strong competition from his own country, the French, led by Julien Absalon, can count on a strong armada. The Canadian riders, who have often been good for top rankings in their own country in recent years, should never be overlooked.

In the women's race, the focus will be on several athletes. Sabine Spitz (GER), Tanja Zakelj (SLO) Eva Lechner (ITA), Gunn Rita Dahle Fleesja (NOR) and Katarina Nash (CZE) are likely to have the best maps. It is quite possible that one of the strong Swiss women will also make it onto the podium on the technically demanding course. Katrin Leumann, Jolanda Neff and Kathrin Stirnemann are regarded as excellent technicians and will therefore like the course, which is not far from the city of Québec.

Sunday is in the hands of the downhill specialists. On the fast, yet technically demanding downhill course, Briton Rachel Atherton is considered to have the best chance of winning the women's race. However, behind her, Emmeline Ragot, Morgane Charre, Myriam Nicole and Floriane Pugin, almost a handful of fast Frenchwomen are gearing up for a possible change of winner. With Manon Carpenter, Atherton must not underestimate the competition from her own country. Emilie Siegenthaler is also likely to be hotly tipped for a podium finish. After all, she probably has fond memories of this race from her fourth place last year.